A 29-year-old male has been charged for allegedly lighting fires across East Bunbury last week.
Via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison, Jonathon Richard Anthony faced Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, December 13, over charges of criminal damage by fire and wilfully lighting a fire likely to injure or damage.
Mr Anthony sat quietly and did not wish to speak during court proceedings.
Speaking on behalf of his client, defence counsel Michael Joubert said Mr Anthony’s mother was concerned for her son’s mental health.
The defence said his client was “not well” and that Mr Anthony’s situation “seemed to be increasing in severity”.
Mr Joubert told the court his client was in hospital, and not in court, on Wednesday, December 12.
Magistrate Evan Shackleton called for Mr Anthony to be assessed by psychiatrists from Perth’s Graylands Hospital.
Mr Shackleton said he wanted to see the statement of material facts and Mr Anthony’s criminal record prior to the accused’s next court appearance.
The magistrate refused bail and remanded the case to Thursday, December 20.
Police allege Mr Anthony lit fires at Adam Road Primary School around 10.30am on Monday, December 10.
It is also alleged Mr Anthony lit a fire at St Mark’s Church, East Bunbury around 11am.
Neighbours then rushed to put out the flames before firefighters arrived on the scene.
South West police and fire crews also responded to a bushfire near Robertson Drive, allegedly lit by Mr Anthony.
Mr Anthony was allegedly seen jumping fences and attempting to escape from police, before being apprehended a short time later.
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